PORT TOWNSEND — Challengers Kenneth Collins led the race for Jefferson County Public Utility District commissioner, followed by Anthony F. (Tony) De Leo and incumbent Ken McMillen in the first count of ballots Tuesday.

Collins, 67, of Nordland received 1,181 votes, or 44.68 percent, while De Leo, 65, of Port Hadlock won 787 votes, or 29.78 percent.

McMillen, 81, of Port Hadlock trailed with 24.9 percent and apparently has been eliminated. The top two vote-getters will advance to the Nov. 4 general election.

“I’m surprised the lead is as large as it is,” Collins said.

De Leo was a bit disappointed.

“I had hoped I had done a bit better,” he said.

McMillen could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.

Collins, who owns and operates Marrowstone Vineyards, said he thought the large lead was the result of his raising issues that resonated with voters.

Collins has criticized the PUD for shutting off power to low-income customers last winter.

De Leo, who serves on the Jefferson Healthcare Board of Commissioners, has said that he intends to serve on both boards if elected to the PUD board.

He is a strong advocate of solar power and has said that the PUD should lobby the state Legislature to raise the 1 percent ceiling on how much solar power can be produced in each county.

Only the 7,483 voters in Jefferson County PUD Commissioner District 2 had a chance to vote in the PUD election. The entire county will vote in the general election Nov. 4.

The winner of the seat in November will serve a six-year term in the District 2 position.